Christ says that entering the kingdom of God means being bound to the church “on earth” (Matt. 16:16-19; 18:17-19). Where do we see the church on earth? The local church.

The New Testament explicitly refers to some people being inside the church and some people beingoutside (1 Cor. 5:12-13). This is much more than a casual association.

The church in Corinth consisted of a definite number of believers, such that Paul could speak of a punishment inflicted by the majority (2 Cor. 2:6).

Not only does the New Testament speak of the reality of church membership, but its dozens of “one anothers” are written to local churches, which fill out our understanding of what church membership should practically look like.

Why is it important?

Biblical church membership is important because the church presents God’s witness to himself in the world. It displays his glory. In the church’s membership, then, non-Christians should see in the lives of God’s changed people that God is holy and gracious and that his gospel is powerful for saving and transforming sinners.

Purpose

Grace Covenant Baptist Church exists for its members to glorify God in their worship both personally and corporately and to equip its members for gospel life and witness as the body of Christ wherever God leads them in His world.